In August 2017 The Ship welcomes 11 ladies in lycra to the Ship who will be in the middle of a charity event spanning 450 miles by bike and by foot! Crossing 3 different countries over the course of 8 days inlcluding England, Isle of Man and Wales. stRIDE17 has been set up to raise money and awareness for the life changing disease of Dementia that affects so many people. It is in fact a disease that affects over 800,000 people in the UK and is currently the leading cause of death in England and Wales.

The route, designed by Virginia and Francesca Bailey, in honour of their dad Peter Bailey, who was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2013. Beginning in Liverpool, taking in the Isle of Man, the Lake District and North Wales before finishing in Shrewsbury, the route visits important places from Peters, their mum Wendy and the sisters’ lives. After their stint in the Isle of Man, the Ship in Parkgate will be hosting the team overnight, before they embark on the second half of their challenge in North Wales.

Zoe McLennan, Marketing Manager and and part of the family business Stange & Co. is amongst the 11 women taking on the challange, “Not only is it great to be part of the challenge, but as a local business that holds special memories for Peter, we are really happy to support the team and be able to host them at the Ship.”

Virginia Bailey said: “We are extremely grateful for the support of The Ship, hosting the team before they embark on the toughest stage of the challenge is extremely generous of them and I am sure the team will be looking forward to a good nights sleep in proper beds! It also feels very special as my dad has really clear and happy memories of living in the area, walking along the seafront with my sister as a baby and starting his family there.”

This team of brilliantly inspirational women are embarking on a hefty challenge that will hopefully get people to put their hands in their pockets for this great cause and also perhaps inspire a few people along the way to get out on their bike and make a difference to their own health and lifestyle.